Submit Applications for Youth Fund (Iceland)

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The Youth Fund provides financial support to associations and organizations in Iceland developing activities for children and young people aged 6 to 25. The fund prioritizes youth-led initiatives, leadership development, innovative projects, and collaboration between youth organizations. What Is the Youth Fund? The Youth Fund is established under Icelandic youth legislation to strengthen organized activities carried out by youth associations and organizations. The fund aims to encourage children and young people to participate actively in projects that reflect their interests, values, goals, and aspirations. It also supports organizations working to create meaningful social and leisure opportunities for young people during their free time. What Types of Projects Does the Youth Fund Support? The Youth Fund supports projects that are developed for children and young people or with their active participation.

Eligible activities may include:

- Youth-led community projects. - Social and leisure activities for children and young people. - Leadership training for youth leaders. - Training for instructors and volunteers. - Innovative youth initiatives. - Development projects that improve youth activities. - Collaborative projects between youth associations and organizations. - Projects that encourage young people to work together around shared interests and goals. Projects should demonstrate meaningful engagement by children and young people rather than simply providing activities for them to attend. What Are the Main Priorities of the Fund? The Youth Fund places particular emphasis on projects that strengthen youth participation and organizational development.

Priority areas include:

Youth Leadership Projects can support leadership training and development for: - Youth leaders. - Instructors. - Volunteers. - Other individuals involved in organized youth activities. These activities can help strengthen the ability of young people and youth organizations to take responsibility for projects and community activities. Innovation and Development The fund encourages innovative and developmental initiatives that introduce new approaches to youth work. Projects should demonstrate how they can contribute to improving activities, participation, cooperation, or opportunities for children and young people. Collaboration Collaborative projects involving multiple youth associations or organizations are also supported. Partnerships can help organizations share knowledge, resources, experience, and opportunities while creating broader benefits for young people. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Eligible applicants are representatives of youth associations and organizations in Iceland. Applicants should be involved in organized activities that align with the objectives of Iceland’s youth legislation. The proposed project should focus on children and young people and demonstrate a connection to organized social or leisure activities. What Are the Youth Association Requirements? Projects should reflect the principles of organized youth activities in which children and young people: - Spend their free time together. - Participate actively in activities. - Work toward shared ideals or goals. - Pursue interests that are meaningful to them. - Develop social participation and cooperation. This means that the project should have a clear youth-focused purpose rather than being a general organizational activity. Are Sports Clubs Eligible? Traditional sports clubs are generally not eligible for sports-related projects under the Youth Fund. Organizations considering a sports-focused project should therefore ensure that the proposed activities fall within the specific objectives and eligible scope of the Youth Fund rather than being primarily conventional sports activities. What Projects Are Not Funded? The Youth Fund does not support certain types of activities, including: - Recurring annual events. - Conferences. - Tournaments. - Similar recurring gatherings. - Group trips. Organizations should focus their applications on developmental, innovative, collaborative, or youth-participatory projects rather than routine annual activities. Does the Fund Prioritize Project Costs or Salaries? The Youth Fund gives priority to general project costs rather than salary expenses. Applicants should therefore emphasize the direct costs required to implement the proposed project and clearly explain how those costs contribute to achieving the project’s objectives. How to Develop a Strong Youth Fund Project

Step 1: Define the Youth Need

Start by identifying the issue, opportunity, or need affecting children and young people aged 6–25. Explain why the project is necessary and how it will benefit its intended participants.

Step 2: Involve Young People in Project Development

Demonstrate how children and young people will actively participate in developing or implementing the project.

This could include:

- Youth consultation. - Youth decision-making. - Youth leadership. - Peer activities. - Youth-led planning. - Participation in project evaluation.

Step 3: Establish Clear Objectives

Set practical objectives that explain what the project intends to achieve. For example, a project could aim to: - Strengthen youth leadership. - Increase participation in organized activities. - Develop new youth activities. - Improve volunteer skills. - Encourage cooperation between organizations. - Create innovative opportunities for young people.

Step 4: Build Partnerships Where Appropriate

If the project involves more than one youth organization, clearly describe each partner’s role. Explain how collaboration will strengthen the project and improve outcomes for participating young people.

Step 5: Prepare a Project-Focused Budget

Prioritize general project expenses and explain why each major cost is necessary. Because the fund gives priority to project costs over salaries, applicants should avoid making salary expenses the central component of the p